Geauga Seniors Explore Great American Southwest
2025 Press Release-Southwest Trip 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Geauga Seniors Explore the Great American Southwest
Geauga County, OH – On August 3, twenty-two Geauga County seniors embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey out west, traveling with staff from the Geauga County Department on Aging’s Recreation & Education Division to explore the breathtaking Southwest National Parks.
The trip began in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a guided tour of the city founded more than 150 years ago by Mormon settlers. From there, the group took in the sweeping views of Dead Horse Point State Park, where the Colorado River winds its way through massive sandstone walls and colorful canyons.
At Arches National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches, the group also enjoyed a float trip down the Colorado River. Along the way, their oarsman shared stories of the Fisher Towers and Professor Valley. The next stop was Edge of the Cedars State Park, where seniors explored Puebloan ruins before heading to the iconic Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park—famous as the backdrop of countless Western films.
The adventure continued with a hike to Horseshoe Bend, offering one of the most spectacular views of the Colorado River as it curves through vibrant rock formations. Later, the group enjoyed a scenic cruise on the blue waters of Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The next adventure featured a stop at the Colorado River Gorge and Navajo Bridge, followed by a scenic drive through Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and an unforgettable visit to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. From there, seniors marveled at the “Pink Cliffs” of Bryce Canyon National Park, where Rim Drive revealed vividly colored rock formations resembling castles and temples sculpted in stone.
The final stop was Zion National Park, where the Virgin River has carved a dramatic gorge through multihued sandstone, shale, and limestone. Towering rock walls and rugged scenery provided the perfect finale to the journey.
The weeklong trip was enjoyed by all participants, who expressed their gratitude to the Geauga County Department on Aging for planning and leading such an enriching experience.
“This trip is just one example of how the Department is creating age-friendly opportunities for seniors,” said Jessica Boalt, Director of the Geauga County Department on Aging. “By offering unique travel and cultural experiences, we help older adults explore new places, engage with new ideas, and embrace positive aging.”
For more information about upcoming events and services offered by the Geauga County Department on Aging, visit https://departmentonaging.geauga.oh.gov or call (440) 279-2130